Second Sight has now released the classic thriller The Hitcher in the UK in a limited edition 4K UHD, standard UHD and Blu-ray, remastered with a host of extra features.
A young man delivering a car to California picks up a hitchhiker and soon discovers the man is a relentless serial killer. Framed by the cold-blooded murderer for a string of murders, his only help comes from a caring waitress as they attempt to flee from both the law and the hitcher.
What makes this film stand out is not only the great pace of the action and the excellent cinematography but also the mesmerising performance of Rutger Hauer as the deadly hitchhicker.
When he is on screen you cannot take your eyes off him as he has such charisma and that almost playful look that shows you have no idea what he might do next.
“My mother told me never to do this” are the first words uttered by C. Thomas Howell and by the end of the film I am sure he wished he would have stuck to the advice. He gives a great performance of a young man shocked by what happens but also trying desperately to stop the killer from continuing his killings.
Other cast members include Jennifer Jason Leigh a waitress who believes he is innocent of the crimes the police are chasing him for and the two of them are desperately trying to get away from the killer and the police. She is also involved in one of the most brutal scenes at the climax of the movie.
A good vs evil story done in a slick and fast manner which has stood the test of time very well.
Second Sight was to release this film a long time ago but they managed to find the original camera negative and decided to do a full 4K remaster which took a lot of work.
The result is superb, a rich and colourful transfer, full of bold colour and great contrast. The scenic shots of the desert landscape look fabulous and the film has never looked better. Audio has a solid original 2.0 Stereo and sounds excellent and you also have a good-sounding newly mixed Dolby Atmos track.
Not only does the film look stunning but this release is packed with extras which include –
New audio commentary by Alexandra Heller-Nicholas
Audio commentary with Robert Harmon and Writer Eric Red
Scene-specific audio commentary with Robert Harmon, Eric Red, Executive Producer Edward S Feldman, Composer Mark Isham, Director of Photography John Seale and Actors Rutger Hauer and C Thomas Howell
The Projection Booth Podcast: featuring Robert Harmon and Rutger Hauer
Bullseye: a new interview with Robert Harmon (41 Minutes)
Penning the Ripper: A New Interview with Eric Red (41 Minutes)
Doomed to Live: A New Interview with C Thomas Howell (28 Minutes)
The Man from Oz: A New Interview with John Seale (10 Minutes)
A Very Formative Score: a new interview with Mark Isham (15 Minutes)
Duel Runner: Leigh Singer on the evolution of The Hitcher and Rutger Hauer (20 Minutes)
China Lake: a short film by Robert Harmon newly restored (35 Minutes)
The Calling Card: Robert Harmon on China Lake (15 Minutes)
Telephone: a short film by Eric Red (26 Minutes)
The Hitcher: How do these movies get made? (38 Minutes)
Trailers (5 Minutes)
A fantastic new release from Second Sight with a top-notch new transfer and a ton of extras
FILM – 8 PICTURE – 10 AUDIO – 8 EXTRAS – 10
